First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning
Immediate and appropriate action, such as
providing first aid, may be necessary to prevent
serious injury to a victim of pesticide
poisoning. The situation can be a life-or-death
matter.
The product label should be one of the first sources of
information in a pesticide exposure emergency, in addition to
calling the National Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) and 911.
First aid is only the "first response" and is not a substitute for
professional medical help.
Specific First Aid Instructions
If the victim is NOT breathing:
First: Evaluate the surroundings of the victim. Protect
yourself from pesticide exposure prior to and while giving
assistance. Second: Administer artificial respiration and call
911. Third: Call the National Poison Center
(1-800-222-1222). Fourth: Decontaminate the victim
immediately; wash thoroughly and quickly. Speed is essential.
If the victim IS breathing:
General First Aid Instructions
• Most important, be sure to protect yourself by wearing
appropriate protective clothing and equipment if there is a
likelihood of being directly exposed to a pesticide while
administering first aid or removing the victim from an
enclosed area.
• Have current labels and Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) available.
• Have emergency response telephone numbers readily
available.
• Assemble a first aid kit with necessary supplies.
• Always have a source of clean water available. In an
extreme emergency, even water from a farm pond, clean
water irrigation system, or watering trough could be used
to dilute the pesticide.
• If oral or dermal exposure has occurred, the first objective
is usually to dilute the pesticide and prevent absorption.
• If inhalation exposure occurs, first protect yourself, and
then get the victim to fresh air immediately.
• Never give anything orally to an unconscious person.
• Become familiar with the proper techniques of artificial
respiration; it may be necessary if a person's breathing has
stopped or become impaired.
First: Evaluate the surroundings of the victim. Protect
yourself from pesticide exposure prior to and while giving
assistance. Second: Decontaminate the victim immediately;
wash thoroughly and quickly. Speed is essential. Third: Call
911 if the victim has ill effects from the exposure. Fourth:
Call the National Poison Center (1-800-222-1222).
If the pesticide has been spilled on the skin or clothing,
remove any contaminated clothing immediately and
thoroughly wash the skin with soap and water. Avoid harsh
scrubbing since it enhances pesticide absorption. Rinse the
affected area with water, wash again, and rinse. Gently dry the
affected area and wrap it in a loose cloth or blanket, if
necessary. If chemical burns of the skin have occurred, cover
the area loosely with a clean, soft cloth. Avoid the use of
ointments, greases, powders, and other medications unless
instructed by medical personnel.
Heavily contaminated clothing should be disposed of properly.
If clothing is not heavily soiled, wash all contaminated
clothing separately from any other laundry in hot water, at a
high water level, and with a heavy duty liquid detergent. Run
the washer through a complete cycle with detergent and no
clothes to remove pesticide residue before another wash. Store
washed protective clothing separately from other clothes.
(Also, do not store protective clothing and equipment in
pesticide storage areas.)
If the pesticide has entered into the eyes, hold the eyelid
open and immediately begin gently washing the eye with clean
running water. Do not use chemicals or drugs in the eye wash
water. Continue washing for 15 minutes. If only one eye is
involved, avoid contaminating the other one. Flush under the
eyelids with water to remove debris. Cover the eye with a
clean piece of cloth and seek medical attention immediately. If
contact lenses are worn, remove and discard the contacts, then
wash the eyes as described above.
If the pesticide has been inhaled, get the victim to fresh air
immediately. However, do not attempt to rescue someone who
is in an enclosed area unless you are wearing appropriate
protective equipment. Have the victim lie down and loosen
their clothing. Keep the victim warm and quiet. If the victim is
convulsing, watch their breathing and protect their head. Keep
the chin up to keep air passages free for breathing. If breathing
stops, administer artificial respiration and call 911. Call the
National Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) after the victim is
stabilized for further advice.
If the pesticide has been swallowed, contact the National
Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) and provide them with the
name and approximate amount of material that was ingested.
Call 911 immediately if the victim has symptoms from the
exposure. If the pesticide has entered the mouth but has not
been swallowed, rinse the mouth with large amounts of water.
Inducing vomiting is rarely advised for any poisoning,
including pesticide poisonings.
If a petroleum product (kerosene, gasoline, oil, lighter fluid,
EC pesticides) has been swallowed, call the National Poison
Center (1-800-222-1222) and 911 immediately for further
instruction.
If a corrosive poison (a strong acid or alkali) has been
swallowed, dilute with water or milk immediately. Consult the
National Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) and 911
immediately. The victim may experience severe pain and have
extensive mouth and throat burns. Fortunately, most
commonly used pesticides are not corrosive, but some
household disinfectants and germicides fall into this category.
Reviewed by J. Ward Donavon, medical director of
PinnacleHealth Toxicology Center, Harrisburg Hospital
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs
are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement
by Penn State Extension is implied.
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© The Pennsylvania State University 2016
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First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning